Redhakhol: Serious allegations have emerged against officials of the Redhakhol Sub-Jail in Odisha, with a human rights activist accusing them of providing illegal facilities to two notorious criminals from Bihar and allowing them to continue their criminal operations from inside the prison.

According to a complaint filed at the Redhakhol police station through the Odisha Police Citizen Portal, former jailer Upendra Jena and chief warder Dillip Kumar Das allegedly extended special treatment to inmates Yash Anand and John Rights.

The complaint, filed by Cuttack-based human rights activist Dr. Sunil Kumar Rath, is based on confidential documents and information reportedly received from an anonymous source. Rath has alleged that the accused officials ignored prison security norms and provided the inmates with several illegal privileges in exchange for cash and gold.

Among the allegations is that liquor was smuggled into the jail by concealing it inside tender coconuts. The complaint further claims that the inmates were allowed to use the personal mobile phones of jail officials, enabling them to continue extortion activities and run their criminal network from inside the prison.

Rath also claimed to possess audio clips that allegedly capture conversations related to deals made by the chief warder to facilitate illegal benefits for the inmates. He has urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

Redhakhol Inspector-in-Charge Sanaya Kumar Nayak confirmed that the police had received the online complaint. However, he said the matter primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the prison department.

He stated that police can initiate an investigation only after the concerned departmental authorities conduct a preliminary inquiry and issue the necessary directions or permission. Referring to the audio clips circulating on social media, Nayak said they were believed to be linked to a fugitive accused in an attempt to murder case registered under Section 307.

Redhakhol Sub-Jail Inspector Laxmidhar Murmu described the allegations as a personal matter concerning the employees involved and said no such incident had come to his notice. He added that Chief Warder Dillip Das had been cautioned over the issue. Murmu also said senior prison officials were aware of the audio clips and assured that appropriate departmental action would be taken if directed by higher authorities.